French Exchange Week – Student Summary
From the moment we stepped onto the Eurostar to France, excitement and nerves filled the air. Meeting our French host families for the first time felt a bit scary, but their warm smiles (and homemade dinners!) quickly made us feel welcome. Over the weekend, we explored places like Lille and even Belgium, bonding with our host families and slowly gaining confidence in speaking French.
Monday – A Warm Welcome and Powerful Learning
Our first full day began with a tasty French breakfast and a tour of the school. We joined lessons with our partners and discovered what French school life is really like. That afternoon, we watched 'Germinal', a moving film that gave us a deeper understanding of French history and prepared us for our upcoming museum visit. It was the perfect mix of fun and education.
Tuesday – Baguettes and Black Dust
We were up early for a jam-packed day! First, we became bakers at a local boulangerie, shaping baguettes with pride. Then, we explored Armentières before heading to the National Mining Museum. Walking through the dark tunnels after seeing 'Germinal' was surreal. It made us truly appreciate the struggles of miners. By the time we returned to Bondues, we were tired but buzzing with what we’d learned.
Wednesday – A Slice of Local Life
Wednesday was more relaxed but meaningful. We attended morning lessons with our partners and began feeling more comfortable in the French school setting. The afternoon was spent with our host families—playing games, chatting, or discovering nearby towns. It was all about building real connections and putting our French skills into action.
Thursday – Adventure and Exploration
Thursday was full of adrenaline and laughter. We took the local bus to the Citadelle in Lille for tree trekking, zipping between treetops and over lakes! After lunch, we explored the city and shopped in Euralille. The contrast between the historic buildings and modern shops was amazing. We ended the day with full shopping bags, loads of photos, and happy hearts.
Friday – From the Deep Sea to the Sandy Dunes
Friday took us to Nausicaa, an incredible aquarium by the sea. We were blown away by manta rays, jellyfish, and even penguins! After an immersive experience on climate change, we headed to the beach for sand yachting. Learning how to sail across the sand was exhilarating—we felt like real adventurers. We finished the evening with games and movies, soaking up our last night in France.
Saturday – Bittersweet Goodbyes
Saturday was all about cherishing our final moments. Whether we spent the day with our families or met up with friends, there was a lot of laughter—and a few tears. At 5pm, we said “merci” and “au revoir”, handing over thank-you cards and hugging goodbye. As the French countryside faded into the distance, many of us already wanted to return.
Charlotte 9S, Madeleine 9W and Veda 9N